(Crisp) Movie Review: GOAT by FENIL SETA
11:44 PM
Like Zootopia, GOAT depicts a world of anthropomorphic animals. The imagination is solid. The city of Vineland is seen to be believed while the idea of having a game called 'roarball' adds a novel touch. The stadiums are also quite imaginative. The ending is lovely and a few scenes are touching. While Tyree Dillihay's contemporary direction is appealing, it also acts as the film's minus point. This is because the fast-paced cuts and sensory overload gets too much after a point. The humour is minimal, which is surprising for a film of this kind. Caleb McLaughlin does well in voicing the protagonist, Will. Gabrielle Union (Jett Fillmore) comes next. Jenifer Lewis (Florence Everson, aka Flo), is the best voice actor in the film, followed by Nick Kroll (Modo). All in all, GOAT is a timepass animation entertainer.
My rating - *** out of 5!
My rating - *** out of 5!
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 922
4:33 PM
WILL THE COURTROOM DRAMA AND LOVE STORY BRING CHEER AT THE BOX OFFICE?
Last week’s releases, O'Romeo and Tu Yaa Main, have underperformed. As predicted last week, O'Romeo opened at Rs. 7.50 crores. It saw a huge jump on Saturday, when it earned Rs. 11 crores. The Valentine’s Day holiday came to its rescue and also, many preferred to see the film on Saturday than Sunday. The crucial India vs Pakistan T20 match was held on the third day and it impacted collections. Usually, Sunday collections are higher than Saturday. But O'Romeo earned Rs. 8.25 crores on its third day.
From Monday, the makers opted for Buy One Get One (BOGO) Ticket offer. The next day, the discounted Tuesday offer was also implemented. The collections on fourth and fifth day, thus, were Rs. 4.25 crores. The first week collections are expected to be around Rs. 42-43 crores. With barely any competition, the film should aim to at least cross the Rs. 60 crore mark.
Meanwhile, Tu Yaa Main collected just Rs. 50 lakhs, which was way below the expectations of Rs. 1 crore-1.50 crore. Like O'Romeo, this film also jumped on Saturday, collecting Rs. 1.35 crore. On Sunday, the collections slipped to Rs. 75 lakhs. On Monday and Tuesday, Tu Yaa Main earned Rs. 40 lakhs and Rs. 45 lakhs respectively. At this rate, the first week collections are expected to be around Rs. 4.50 crores. Hopefully, the film will remain steady from here on but it won’t help much as the collections are so low. Interestingly, the word of mouth is very positive and yet it hasn’t translated into respectable collections.
This week will also see the release of two films. Assi sees the return of Taapsee Pannu in a hard-hitting role. It is directed by Anubhav Sinha; both had collaborated earlier in Mulk and Thappad. The trailer of Assi packs a punch and has caught attention due to its content and dialogues.
The makers came up with an interesting strategy for promotion. Last month, it was revealed that a film named Assi is coming; it had no mention of the makers, cast, director etc. The next poster mentioned that the highest paid crew member on the film is the writer! Its trailer was attached with Border 2 and that’s where viewers came to knew what the film is about and who is involved.
However, Assi seems to be disturbing and for a niche audience. Taapsee-Anubhav’s last film, Thappad, opened at Rs. 2.76 crores. It was one of the last films before the pandemic hit and since then, things have changed for such films. The best-case scenario is that the film opens at Rs. 1-1.25 crore.
The other release of the week is Do Deewane Seher Mein. It stars Siddhant Chaturvedi and Mrunal Thakur in leading roles. It is directed by Ravi Udyawar who made Mom and who also directed Siddhant in Yudhra. Sanjay Leela Bhansali is involved with the film as a producer.
The trailer of Do Deewane Seher Mein is sweet and it looks like a clean, non-toxic love story. However, the hype is limited while the songs haven’t worked. Like Assi, Do Deewane Seher Mein will also open in the range of Rs. 1 crore and Rs. 1.25 crore. It remains to be seen which film manages to do better on the first day.
Last week’s releases, O'Romeo and Tu Yaa Main, have underperformed. As predicted last week, O'Romeo opened at Rs. 7.50 crores. It saw a huge jump on Saturday, when it earned Rs. 11 crores. The Valentine’s Day holiday came to its rescue and also, many preferred to see the film on Saturday than Sunday. The crucial India vs Pakistan T20 match was held on the third day and it impacted collections. Usually, Sunday collections are higher than Saturday. But O'Romeo earned Rs. 8.25 crores on its third day.
From Monday, the makers opted for Buy One Get One (BOGO) Ticket offer. The next day, the discounted Tuesday offer was also implemented. The collections on fourth and fifth day, thus, were Rs. 4.25 crores. The first week collections are expected to be around Rs. 42-43 crores. With barely any competition, the film should aim to at least cross the Rs. 60 crore mark.
Meanwhile, Tu Yaa Main collected just Rs. 50 lakhs, which was way below the expectations of Rs. 1 crore-1.50 crore. Like O'Romeo, this film also jumped on Saturday, collecting Rs. 1.35 crore. On Sunday, the collections slipped to Rs. 75 lakhs. On Monday and Tuesday, Tu Yaa Main earned Rs. 40 lakhs and Rs. 45 lakhs respectively. At this rate, the first week collections are expected to be around Rs. 4.50 crores. Hopefully, the film will remain steady from here on but it won’t help much as the collections are so low. Interestingly, the word of mouth is very positive and yet it hasn’t translated into respectable collections.
This week will also see the release of two films. Assi sees the return of Taapsee Pannu in a hard-hitting role. It is directed by Anubhav Sinha; both had collaborated earlier in Mulk and Thappad. The trailer of Assi packs a punch and has caught attention due to its content and dialogues.
The makers came up with an interesting strategy for promotion. Last month, it was revealed that a film named Assi is coming; it had no mention of the makers, cast, director etc. The next poster mentioned that the highest paid crew member on the film is the writer! Its trailer was attached with Border 2 and that’s where viewers came to knew what the film is about and who is involved.
However, Assi seems to be disturbing and for a niche audience. Taapsee-Anubhav’s last film, Thappad, opened at Rs. 2.76 crores. It was one of the last films before the pandemic hit and since then, things have changed for such films. The best-case scenario is that the film opens at Rs. 1-1.25 crore.
The other release of the week is Do Deewane Seher Mein. It stars Siddhant Chaturvedi and Mrunal Thakur in leading roles. It is directed by Ravi Udyawar who made Mom and who also directed Siddhant in Yudhra. Sanjay Leela Bhansali is involved with the film as a producer.
The trailer of Do Deewane Seher Mein is sweet and it looks like a clean, non-toxic love story. However, the hype is limited while the songs haven’t worked. Like Assi, Do Deewane Seher Mein will also open in the range of Rs. 1 crore and Rs. 1.25 crore. It remains to be seen which film manages to do better on the first day.
O'Romeo collects 38 cr in 6 days; Tu Yaa Main 3.80 cr
2:50 PM
Box Office India Trade Network
O'ROMEO had a big drop on Wednesday as it collected 2.75 crore nett and this was despite the buy one get one free offer. So, it still has to go lower and it remains to be seen how long the offers remains. It is still there today and hence, even on Thursday, the real value will not come out. The drop is 35% from the previous day.
The six day collection of the film is 38 crore nett and it should be a first week of 41.50 crore nett which is pretty much similar to TERI BAATON MEIN AISA ULJHA JIYA. But this film has higher costs than that film and the holds on weekdays are not as strong as that film. That film also saw similar offer on the weekdays.
There is no major competition this week despite a couple of releases. It remains to be see where the film lands on Friday. The film has found it tough going and that is the reason why you get the attempts to manufacture the collections.
The numbers for O'ROMEO till date are as follows.
Friday - 7,50,00,000 apprx
Saturday - 11,00,00,000 apprx
Sunday - 8,25,00,000 apprx
Monday - 4,25,00,000 apprx
Tuesday - 4,25,00,000 apprx
Wednesday - 2,75,00,000 apprx
TOTAL - 38,00,00,000 apprx
TU YAA MAIN also saw a drop on Wednesday and will probably do a little over 4 crore nett over the week.
The collections of TU YAA MAIN are as follows.
Friday - 50,00,000 apprx
Saturday - 1,35,00,000 apprx
Sunday - 75,00,000 apprx
Monday - 40,00,000 apprx
Tuesday - 45,00,000 apprx
Wednesday - 35,00,000 apprx
TOTAL - 3,80,00,000 apprx
Why would anyone work with me if I was a fraud?-Rajpal Yadav
2:46 PM
Vinay MR Mishra (BOMBAY TIMES; February 19, 2026)
Rajpal Yadav surrendered to Tihar Jail on February 5 after the Delhi High Court refused to extend the deadline for him to hand himself over in connection with a long-running Rs. 9cr cheque-bounce case. Post his release on Tuesday, he left for his niece’s wedding in Shahjahanpur.
In a chat with us, Rajpal chose his words carefully, aware that the matter remains legally sensitive. “Everything related to the episode and the legal matters is ongoing. I am careful with my words because even a slight change in my words can create issues. So I don’t want even a single line to become a problem,” he said at the outset.
'I’ve never tried to twist my words’
Rajpal Yadav reiterated that his stance has remained consistent since the court case began. “When the High Court ordered me to surrender, I did that. When they ordered me to come out, I did. If the court says wait, I will wait. I have never tried to twist my words or change my stand to suit a moment. My point hasn’t changed, my passport hasn’t changed, so why would my truth change? I was clear that I want everyone to know the facts,” he said.
‘I observed a lot while I was in jail’
Talking about his days in jail, Rajpal said, “For me, every day is a new beginning – a new day of learning and a new day of working. As an actor, I just observed everything around me. I was eating the same food that was made for everyone. I did whatever was expected of me. I just want the High Court to hear my point of view and if the Court finds that I’m wrong – send me back to jail, I will respect that.”
‘The industry doesn’t need to prove that they are with me’
Reports of financial support from members of the film industry have been circulating, but Rajpal refuses to name anyone.
He said, “This case first appeared in the media in 2012. Reports stated, ‘Rajpal Yadav is a fraud.’ Since then, I have had at least 10 films a year. Why would anyone work with me if I was a fraud? The industry doesn’t need to prove that they are with me, I have faith that everyone is with me.”
When probed further on the financial support he has supposedly received from some people in the industry, he said, “I respect all the help, but I don’t want sympathy.”
7 Khoon Maaf is a punk rock feminist film-Vivaan Shah
2:43 PM
Neha Maheshwri (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 18, 2026)
As 7 Khoon Maaf completes 15 years on February 18, actor Vivaan Shah, who made his debut with 7 Khoon Maaf, looks back at the film that shaped his understanding of cinema and confirmed his decision to become an actor.
With the distance of time, Vivaan places the film within a wider literary and cinematic tradition. He says, “I see 7 Khoon Maaf as part of a kind of Gothic trilogy by Vishal ji, which includes Maqbool and Haider. All three films contain elements of the Gothic and the macabre in the architecture, the aesthetics, and the emotional landscapes of the stories.”
He says, “Even Omkara and Kaminey carry shades of rural and urban Gothic respectively. 7 Khoon Maaf, Maqbool and Haider also hint at earlier classical literary influences such as Dante and Marlowe, who must have influenced Shakespeare himself. There is even a touch of Indian Gothic of the kind associated with Ismat Chughtai and Saadat Hasan Manto.”
Joining director Vishal Bhardwaj’s set at 19 proved to be a turning point. He says, “Working with Vishal ji was a dream come true. I had been a fan of his from a very early age. I never wanted to be a professional actor, but when this opportunity came my way, I plunged into it even before I had made up my mind.”
The experience led to an epiphany. He says, “On the sets of 7 Khoon Maaf, I decided that I was going to dedicate myself full-time to this profession. I learned an extraordinary amount, including language, speech, diction, tone, cinematic vocabulary, and the art of acting itself. Working with Vishal ji was like a masterclass, almost like film school. He is our Stanley Kubrick. The more you watch his films, the more you learn.”
The film demanded that Vivaan portray the passage of time, a challenge that went beyond prosthetics. He says, “We had an extraordinary prosthetics team from America, which helped immensely, but it was still a challenge from an acting standpoint. Watching Priyanka Chopra do this was one of the most illuminating experiences of my life.”
He says, “I have immense gratitude towards Priyanka for how kind, patient, and helpful she was. I was young, lost, and a novice, but she guided me through an extraordinarily complex character and story. She is one of the greatest actresses and human beings I know.”
Reflecting on her performance, he says, “She gave one of the most mind-blowing performances ever. It was almost like a Sunset Boulevard, Greta Garbo kind of performance. She has the grandeur of cinema icons like Bette Davis and Joan Crawford.”
Fifteen years on, Vivaan believes the film’s politics remain relevant. He says, “Great works of art remain immutable with time. 7 Khoon Maaf is extraordinarily progressive and forward-thinking. It is a punk-rock feminist film.”
Rajkummar Rao breaks silence on viral look that left fans concerned
10:52 AM
Amid online chatter, Rajkummar Rao sets the record straight on his recent physical transformation
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; February 17, 2026)
Rajkummar Rao’s recent appearance at the Bolti Khidkiyaan film fest set social media abuzz. The actor looked noticeably different from his usual self – a few kilos heavier, with thinner hair and a slightly haggard appearance – sparking widespread concern online. Fans on social media were quick to jump to conclusions, with unverified claims and chatter about his health and career doing the rounds.
When we reached out to Rajkummar, the actor told us, “It’s strange how people can jump to conclusions and get judgemental without even checking the facts. I gained around 10 kg for the upcoming biopic Nikam (based on Ujjwal Nikam, the special public prosecutor and politician, known for handling high-profile cases), for which I had to look older. I am also in the transition phase where I am preparing for Sourav Ganguly’s biopic. For that part, I need to lose weight, so I am between certain look tests and that’s how I showed up for the event. There is nothing to worry about. I am simply navigating two demanding biographical roles and hence, the change in my appearance is striking.”
The actor added, “For Bose, I went half bald. During Srikanth, I became the character even when cameras weren’t rolling. My focus is always on fully embodying the character I am playing.”
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HINDUSTAN TIMES (February 17, 2026)
On Monday morning, Rajkummar Rao put speculation to rest after his recent appearance sparked concern online. Taking to Instagram, the 41-year-old actor explained that the noticeable weight gain and altered hairline were part of his preparation for his upcoming biopic on Rajya Sabha MP Ujjwal Nikam.
“It has demanded me to change physically, which I love doing. I’m not a believer in prosthetics as long as I can achieve the look through my hard work, be it gaining weight, looking old (to play a certain age) or to make my hair thin,” he wrote.
Rajkummar gained around 10 kg for the role: “I was eating two pizzas, a lot of sweets and my favourite aloo parathas, biryani, and not using anything glam to look like the part.”
The actor added that he is currently in the “transition phase”, losing the extra weight for a biopic on “our very own Dada”, former Indian cricket team skipper Sourav Ganguly.
Notably, this is not the first time Rajkummar has undergone an extreme physical transformation for his role. “Everyone told me not to go half bald for Bose: Dead Or Alive (2017), or not to stop eating and lose so much weight for Trapped (2017), or not to behave like a visually impaired person even when cameras weren’t rolling during Srikanth (2024),” he wrote, adding, “Hopefully, when you see Nikam, you will be able to see all that hard work... Will always work the hardest to engage you, entertain you through my work.”
Jisshu Sengupta reveals why daughter Sara prefers modelling over acting
10:48 AM
Onkar Kulkarni (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 19, 2026)
Bengali star Jisshu Sengupta’s elder daughter, Sara, is making her mark in the fashion world. She made a stunning debut on the ramp at Dior’s Fall 2023 show in Mumbai. Unlike many star kids who often follow the film route, Sara is determined to carve out her own path.
Her proud father shares, “Sara received a few Hindi film offers. However, she doesn’t want to do films. She wants to focus on modeling. She made her debut with Dior and she did it all by herself. Young kids these days are quite focused and they know what they want.”
‘Sara would rather stick to modeling’
Speaking about the 20-year-old’s decision to avoid films, Jisshu says, “We did a film together called Uma. She was 12 then, and after that she felt films are not her cup of tea. She got a lot of praise, but didn’t enjoy being around so many people or visiting places (during promotions). She said she’d rather stick to modeling.”
‘In terms of business Bengali films have a long way to go’
As an actor and producer, he hopes to expand the reach of Bengali cinema. Reflecting on its current position, he says, “We are winning National Awards at least one every year. But, in terms of business we have a long way to go. We have got lesser halls than even Marathi films or even Punjabi films in that sense. Bengali films only release in Bengal. We have to work on our content. We need to improve and push ourselves.”
He adds, “I have a dream that one day we will make a film in 3 languages — in Bengali and release it in Telugu and in Hindi as well. We will get there. One baby step at a time.”
Rajpal Yadav's lawyer reveals, "It was not easy to get the bail"
10:47 AM
Vinay MR Mishra (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 17, 2026)
Rajpal Yadav was granted bail on Monday. Speaking to Mumbai Mirror, soon after the order, his lawyer Bhaskar Upadhyay said it was “not easy at all” to secure bail. According to him, the dispute stems from agreements signed over a decade ago related to Yadav’s 2010 production venture. Over time, multiple contracts, a consent decree, and subsequent proceedings created what he termed a “layered and confusing situation.”
Talking about Yadav, Upadhyay said, “He is not a lawyer; he doesn’t understand technicalities. He is an actor, a family man. Whenever the court asked, he simply said, Whatever I owe, I will pay,” he shared, adding, “He himself had a lot at stake in that project. It’s not like he walked away unaffected,” Upadhyay said.
Upadhyay also claims that the complainaint was more keen to see Yadav imprisoned. “If it was only about money, they could have taken the security. But there was a malicious intent. The complainant said that 'We don't want this and just kindly execute the decree by sending him in jail'. This was categorically said by the complainants. If it was the issue of a money only then they must have taken the surety. He had given his original property documents. He surrendered it before the court stating the value of my property is more than 40 crores," he said.
So far, a portion of the dues has been paid. Upadhyay confirmed that Rs 2.5 crore has been arranged toward the larger amount under discussion.
“He is trying, within his capacity, to honour what he has committed,” he said, adding, "For him he was in the impression that that money was 5 crores. He has to pay back 5 crores. He never disputed that amount. But he just wanted the code to clarify. What about that money? Because this 5 crores was invested by the complainant in that movie, not given a personal loan to him for his personal needs."
There has also been chatter in industry circles about fellow film personalities stepping in to help. While not naming anyone, the lawyer acknowledged that people have come forward in Yadav’s difficult time.
“Many are helping in his odd hours. The specifics are for him to share when the time is right,” he said.
Through it all, Yadav has remained mentally resilient, his lawyer claimed. “He is strong. He says he will comply with court directions. His only request is that his side be properly heard,” Upadhyay said.
I will never play Lord Shiva on screen-Sudhanshu Pandey
10:35 AM
Vinay MR Mishra (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 17, 2026)
Sudhanshu Pandey recently posed for a special Maha Shivratri photoshoot, appearing in the striking Ardhanari avatar — a symbolic representation embodying both Shiva and Shakti. Reflecting on the experience, the actor describes it as nothing short of surreal.
Speaking about how the concept came to life, he shares that the idea was suggested by a makeup artist. “Everybody knows my association with Lord Shiva. I had completely surrendered myself to Mahakal,” he says.
Recalling his reaction during the transformation, he adds, “We began with the Shakti makeup. When she started working on my eyeliner, eyebrows, and eyelashes, I said, ‘My God, I’m falling in love with myself.’”
When asked whether he felt any hesitation about embracing a feminine form, he says, “Not at all. I believe it takes courage to own that side. I am an actor, and portraying diverse characters is part of my journey. But this was different — I was creating Shiv Shakti. For someone who has surrendered to him, it was perhaps the greatest honour. I was simply nervous, hoping everything would turn out well.”
Despite his deep connection with Shiva, he reveals that he has consistently turned down offers to portray the deity on screen. “I never wanted to play Shiva because he is someone I have surrendered to. I’ve been offered the role countless times, but I always declined. I don’t have the guts to play you,” he explains.
Will this photoshoot change his decision? Pandey remains firm. “No, it won’t. This was purely a tribute from a small being created by him — someone completely surrendered. That was my offering, and perhaps that is part of my bhakti,” he signs off.
Arijit Singh doesn’t want to be remembered only as a singer-Mohit Suri
10:32 AM
Renuka Vyavahare (BOMBAY TIMES; February 16, 2026)
At 38, Arijit Singh recently stunned fans and the Hindi film industry by announcing his retirement from playback singing. While several have expressed what they feel about Arijit’s choice, we spoke to Mohit Suri, whose films have consistently featured quintessential Arijit Singh songs, dating back to Aashiqui 2 and the iconic Tum Hi Ho. Composed by Mithoon, the song launched Arijit into stardom 13 years ago and defined his voice as synonymous with love and heartbreak. Suri last worked with him on Dhun from Saiyaara.
‘SUCCESS WAS ACTUALLY DELAYED FOR ARIJIT’
On Arijit’s retirement from playback singing, Mohit said the decision didn’t surprise him. “I sensed it. He had reached a stage where he wanted to do more and not box himself into just one identity. You can’t limit his creativity. He doesn’t want to be remembered only as Arijit, the singer,” he said.
On a personal note, Mohit admits he is deeply disappointed, saying that a part of him feels like it has ended with the announcement.
He explains, “I don’t think Indian music can exist without Arijit. People see this as a full stop, but he’s not done yet. I’ve known him since he was Pritam da’s assistant. People think he was just fortunate, but that’s not true. He didn’t let himself break, and success was actually delayed for him. He’s an artiste who will never stop creating. Even if Arijit the singer slows down, he’ll be far more valuable to music and cinema. Once he sets his mind to something, he achieves it.”
‘HE SANG ALL KINDS OF SONGS, WE CHOSE TO HIGHLIGHT ONLY HIS HEARTBREAK NUMBERS’
As Arijit dominated Bollywood music for over a decade, speculation grew about sidelined singers, alleged monopolies and his association with “sad songs.” Mohit, however, says Arijit’s biggest strength became a limitation imposed by others.
“Your best work often becomes the monkey on your back. Arijit sang all kinds of songs — we chose to highlight his heartbreak numbers,” he says, pointing to upbeat tracks like Ullu Ka Pattha and Galti Se Mistake from Jagga Jasoos as proof of his range. “We boxed him into Tum Hi Ho or Channa Mereya kind of songs.”
Dismissing favouritism and lobbying claims, Mohit is categorical. “Arijit never insisted on singing a song. In fact, he often pushed for the scratch singer to be retained, saying the song didn’t need him. That’s how secure he is — and many singers got breaks because of that.”
‘NO ONE CAN REPLACE ARIJIT SINGH, YET NEW VOICES WILL FIND THEIR WAY’
On a parting note, we ask if Arijit’s voice could ever be replaced. “Everyone is special. I was deeply attached to KK sir, but while making Aashiqui 2, I realized I couldn’t use the same voice I associated with Emraan Hashmi for Aditya Roy Kapur. We found a new voice and that was Arijit.”
He adds that with Saiyaara, he introduced Faheem Abdullah for Ahaan Panday, showing that every generation finds its own voice. “That’s the way life works. New singers must find their space, just as Arijit once did. There cannot be another Arijit Singh. We depend on him emotionally, knowing he will nail it — but if he doesn’t make way, new talent won’t emerge. He is truly one of a kind. And yes, I’ll speak to him once he reads this.”
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