(Crisp) Movie Review: PRIMETIME by FENIL SETA
6:27 PM
Primetime is inspired from a real life story of a TV journalist who caught potential online child sexual predators and exposed them on television. I personally had no idea on this man and his show and hence, it made for an interesting watch. The film is presented in a narrow aspect ratio in sync with the found footage and TV footage of the mid 2000s. Even the light used is reminiscent of the television of that era. The character of 23 year old Dan Plumb (Skyler Gisondo) is the best of the lot and keeps the interest going. However, the storytelling levels drop in some places while the personal life of the protagonist fails to entice. The climax is a bit abrupt. Also, since it's distributed by PVR Inox Pictures, there are no subtitles and it hampers the impact big time. Robert Pattinson, however, delivers a smashing performance and is very convincing as the cold, narcissistic reporter. Skyler Gisondo has a crucial part and delivers a fantastic performance. Merritt Wever (Andie Bender), Matthew Maher (Xavier Von Erck) and the child predators do well. All in all, Primetime makes for a decent one time watch.
My rating - *** out of 5!
My rating - *** out of 5!
(Crisp) Movie Review: HEART OF THE BEAST by FENIL SETA
6:08 PM
Heart Of The Beast stars Brad Pitt and is about an retired command sergeant major who is lost in the jungles of Alaska, USA. He just has his dog, Odin, for company. How he survives forms the crux of the tale. The film is shot in an unhurried fashion. There's barely any actor besides Brad Pitt and yet one is fully involved with the proceedings. The dog is the winner and the way his character is depicted is novel. On the flipside, the film gets a bit repetitive in some places. The protagonist's characterization could have been better explained, especially his personal life. One more aspect, related to a communication device (or lack of it), is also difficult to digest. Brad Pitt is terrific and the manner in which he displays his physical and emotional vulnerability is something to watch out for. Special mention should also go to Uber the dog; what an actor! J K Simmons (Watkins) and Anna Lambe (girl in the pickup) are fine. All in all, Heart Of The Beast is worth watching for the subject, breathtaking cinematography and the performances of Brad Pitt and the dog.
My rating - *** ½ out of 5!
My rating - *** ½ out of 5!
(Crisp) Movie Review: DON'T BE SHY by FENIL SETA
5:56 PM
Don't Be Shy, which released today on Amazon Prime Video, is produced by Alia Bhatt and introduces four newcomers. A few moments in this film are endearing, especially the bond shared by the two girls. Ram Sampath's music is refreshing and well-woven into the narrative. Often such films are less than 2 hours. But Don't Be Shy has a runtime of 2 hours and 28 minutes. Yet, it doesn't get boring. At the same time, the narrative doesn't completely involve viewers either. It is a bhel puri of Aisha, Student Of The Year, Never Have I Ever, To All The Boys I've Loved Before, etc. Dhruv's character is inspired by Pride & Prejudice's Mr Darcy. Several developments in the film are convenient, and the humour is limited. However, the newcomers are sincere; Aarushi Bajaj (Shy), Bianca Arora (Tara), Ansh Duggal (Dhruv) and Piyush Khati (Mayank) do well. Anurag Basu and Kunaal Roy Kapur bring in some much-needed humour. All in all, Don't Be Shy fails to entice and doesn't look like a film set in India.
My rating - ** out of 5!
My rating - ** out of 5!
(Crisp) Movie Review: THE VVAAN by FENIL SETA
2:29 PM
The Vvaan's story is very promising as it blends horror, comedy and mythology. The ‘Chhathi Maiya’ song is soulful and it's a pleasure to see the festival in a film. The humour is in classic TVF style, while a few aspects about the rules of the jungle and 'van devi' are intriguing. On the flipside, the writing gets messy in the second half. The villain track is very weak and childish. The climax fails to make a mark and gives a déjà vu of a popular pan-India film. Even the direction gets haphazard after a point. Sidharth Malhotra is decent and convincing in the action scenes. However, he could have done better. Tamannaah Bhatia looks stunning as always and delivers a first-rate performance. Maniesh Paul and Sulbha Arya raise some laughs, but they also go overboard. Sunil Grover is let down by the writing. Anup Soni and Shweta Tiwari are dependable. Durgesh Kumar (Reporter), Milind Gunaji (priest) and Avtar Gill (Sarpanch) are wasted. All in all, The Vvaan is one big disappointment.
My rating - ** out of 5!
My rating - ** out of 5!
Fenil's Bollywood Talk # 953
5:37 PM
WILL THE VVAAN MANAGE TO SURPRISE AT THE BOX OFFICE?
Tomorrow will see the release of The Vvaan, starring Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia. The film is significant as it brings these two actors together for the first time and also because it is produced by TVF. Moreover, Ekta Kapoor's Balaji Telefilms is also involved as one of the producers.
The Vvaan's teaser was just okay, but the trailer has made an impact. What has worked more than the trailer is the song ‘Chhathi Maiya’. It's a rare song about Chhath Puja and has been loved by those who celebrate it.
In fact, thanks to the song, the advance booking of The Vvaan is quite good in Bihar. Several shows are fast filling, while in the rest of the country, it is underwhelming. As of now, the film seems to open at around Rs. 5 crores or Rs. 6 crores. Sidharth Malhotra's last film, Param Sundari, had opened at Rs. 6.85 crores. If The Vvaan can go past this number, then it'll be quite praiseworthy for this film. If reports are positive, the film can grow healthily over the weekend and earn around Rs. 20-25 crores. That's very important as The Vvaan has just one week to score. This is because Drishyam The Conclusion will arrive next Friday, October 2, and it is expected to do smashing business at the box office.
Moreover, The Vvaan faces unexpected competition from Avengers Endgame: Encore. It’s a re-release of Avengers: Endgame and the makers have included additional scenes from the upcoming film, Avengers: Doomsday. The hype for Doomsday is insane and it will prove beneficial to Avengers Endgame: Encore. It's set to open at Rs. 10 crores and thus, it’ll break all re-release records.
Tomorrow will see the release of The Vvaan, starring Sidharth Malhotra and Tamannaah Bhatia. The film is significant as it brings these two actors together for the first time and also because it is produced by TVF. Moreover, Ekta Kapoor's Balaji Telefilms is also involved as one of the producers.
The Vvaan's teaser was just okay, but the trailer has made an impact. What has worked more than the trailer is the song ‘Chhathi Maiya’. It's a rare song about Chhath Puja and has been loved by those who celebrate it.
In fact, thanks to the song, the advance booking of The Vvaan is quite good in Bihar. Several shows are fast filling, while in the rest of the country, it is underwhelming. As of now, the film seems to open at around Rs. 5 crores or Rs. 6 crores. Sidharth Malhotra's last film, Param Sundari, had opened at Rs. 6.85 crores. If The Vvaan can go past this number, then it'll be quite praiseworthy for this film. If reports are positive, the film can grow healthily over the weekend and earn around Rs. 20-25 crores. That's very important as The Vvaan has just one week to score. This is because Drishyam The Conclusion will arrive next Friday, October 2, and it is expected to do smashing business at the box office.
Moreover, The Vvaan faces unexpected competition from Avengers Endgame: Encore. It’s a re-release of Avengers: Endgame and the makers have included additional scenes from the upcoming film, Avengers: Doomsday. The hype for Doomsday is insane and it will prove beneficial to Avengers Endgame: Encore. It's set to open at Rs. 10 crores and thus, it’ll break all re-release records.
I have no intention of curbing art and expression while on the CBFC board-Pallavi Joshi
10:32 AM
Vishakha Pandit (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 21, 2026)
The revised film-certification guidelines for the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), announced on September 16, have brought the debate around artistic freedom back into focus. As the newly constituted board begins its term, actor-filmmaker and CBFC board member Pallavi Joshi tells us she does not see her role as one that would curb artistic expression.
“I am personally against any kind of restrictions on art and expression,” she shares, adding, “I do not, as an artist, as a performer, as a filmmaker, like to be told that I shouldn’t be doing this and I shouldn’t be doing that. And I have no intention of doing that while on the board.”
Joshi, however, acknowledges that any new framework can reveal gaps once it is put into practice. “Anytime any new law is put in place, as you go forward, you realise that there are loopholes in it and it needs to be amended in certain ways,” she says.
“You see a lot of changes happening over the course of time until the law becomes comfortable for everyone. And I think we hope to achieve that with the given guidelines. We hope to come to a place where art and expression is not curbed. At least I would like to reach there,” she elaborates.
The 57-year-old also believes art should challenge audiences rather than simply entertain them. “I think art is a medium which should disturb people. It is not just song and dance. It has to be romance also. It has to be biopics also. It has to be thought-provoking also. It has to give you a jolt sometimes. Sometimes it has to slap you awake from your slumber,” she says.
Joshi reiterates that artistic expression can take multiple forms. “Art can be defined in many forms and there should not be any restriction on any kind of expression of art,” she says, while adding that it is still too early to comment on how the revised guidelines will work in practice.
The new CBFC guidelines retain the 1991 framework, with additions on drug-related warnings and age-based markers. The newly constituted board has not yet held its first meeting, Joshi says, adding that its members are yet to discuss how they will approach the framework.
Salman Khan unleashes his rage on trolls: "Pregnant hone ke baad everyone puts on weight"
10:30 AM
HINDUSTAN TIMES (September 21, 2026)
Actor Salman Khan did not mince words in the latest Weekend Ka Vaar episode of Bigg Boss 20, telecast on Saturday, to condemn online trolling and intrusive celebrity coverage. He called out body shaming and ageist comments targeting celebrities, while also questioning the paparazzi’s habit of photographing female actors from behind. Salman came down heavily on issues around social media etiquettes and celebrity coverage.
On body shaming
“Why do you troll somebody who gets pregnant? Pregnant hone ke baad everyone puts on weight. Jab woh picture mein wapas aa jayengi, woh fit ho jayengi. She wanted to spend time with her family,” he said.
Many fans believed Salman was referring to actor Katrina Kaif, who was body shamed on social media after a recent public appearance in Mumbai.
On being age shamed
The actor addressed trolling over his age and appearance after photos from a Mumbai event went viral in July, with social media users commenting on his lean frame.
In a surprise move, the actor went bare-bodied in a segment during the episode, and thundered: “Budha ho gaya, of course 60 saal ka ho gaya hoon. You cannot be Maine Pyaar Kiya all the bloody time.”
He also touched upon the constant online commentary about his shaved head, revealing, “People say, ‘I have gone bald. This is the look for the film. And the real reason is that a friend of mine passed away.”
On paparazzi clicking inappropriate pictures of female actors
“Paparazzi hip shots lete hain, taangon ke shots lete hain, aur agar peeche se shot mil jaaye toh woh bhi lete hain. None of these heroines like it. Meri apni niece chal rahi hoti hai, toh peeche se uska shot le rahe hain aur caption daalte hain, ‘Pehchaano ye kaun hai?’ I am saying all this to girls, agar aisa ho toh ghoom ke ek chamat maaro aur bolo, ‘Apni maa-behen ka shot le lo.’ Disgusting people! What is this mentality?,” he ranted.
Katrina faced online trolling after she was photographed with her husband, actor Vicky Kaushal, at the Ambani family’s Ganpati celebrations in Mumbai recently.
The appearance came months after the couple’s son, Vihaan, was born in November last year. Many social media handles inappropriately turned their attention to changes in Katrina’s physical appearance and postpartum weight.
On Sohail, Varun being trolled
Salman’s brother, actor Sohail Khan, was recently trolled over his physical transformation, while actor Varun Dhawan was also trolled over his signature smile around the release of Border 2.
Defending the actors, Salman said, “Ek samajh mein aata hai ke you lost weight or put on weight, but mazak udana Sohail ke upar, Varun ke upar, har ek ke upar. Pehle aap apna shakal dekh lo, apna jism dekh lo, uske baad karna yeh. Apne ma baap ko dekh lo pehle, unki sehat dekh lo, phir baat karna.”
Suddenly one day, Alia Bhatt gave us a date, we had only 4 hours of her time-Vijay Ganguly
10:29 AM
Upala KBR (MID-DAY; September 21, 2026)
An early morning shoot later, you’d think that Alia Bhatt would call it a day. But even if the actor in her is tired, the producer in her knows that work doesn’t stop. Bhatt recently completed a morning shoot of Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War, and reported straight to the set of her upcoming production, Don’t Be Shy, squeezing in a five-hour filming of the song, Re Bawri.
Choreographer Vijay Ganguly revealed that both Bhatt and director Sreeti Mukerji were certain from the start that the campus caper needed a music video.
“Though it was to be picturized on the four leads earlier, eventually we wanted Alia to feature in it too as she is a fabulous dancer. But the dates were not working out. Suddenly one day, Alia gave us a date, and we had only four hours of her time as she was doing many things back-to-back,” Ganguly told mid-day.
The uptempo number was shot in early September at Chitrarth Studio in Powai. For Bhatt, featuring in Re Bawri was a strategic decision — she knew her presence would grab eyeballs, and in turn, bring attention to the four newcomers. “Alia wanted to promote the kids as much as she could. She did not have time to even rehearse for Re Bawri. She came on set after an early morning shoot and did what she had to do in five hours. She learned the hook step in five minutes,” recalled Ganguly.
He is impressed not only by her dancing skills, but also by her dedication as a producer. “Alia is a hands-on producer. She called me to say she is making a film on a small budget, and wanted me to choreograph this song.”
My parents have always taught me to celebrate and respect every festival-Aamna Sharif
10:28 AM
Vishakha Pandit (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 21, 2026)
Growing up in Mumbai, Ganpati has always been an integral part of Aamna Sharif’s experience of the city. For her, the festival is about faith, family and the way Mumbai comes alive every year. On September 19, the actor visited Lalbaugcha Raja, an experience she describes as particularly personal.
“There was something about the faith, warmth and energy around me that left me feeling genuinely grateful and peaceful,” she says. Her connection with Ganpati goes back to childhood, with one of her fondest memories being a visit to Lalbaugcha Raja with her parents. “One of my favourite childhood memories is going with my mom and dad to Lalbaugcha Raja,” she recalls.
Even today, she enjoys the sense of togetherness the festival brings. “Some of my fondest Ganpati memories are simply seeing Mumbai come alive every year, the celebrations, the warmth and people coming together.”
Aamna, who is married to producer-filmmaker Amit Kapoor, is yet to bring Bappa home, but hopes to do so someday.
“I still haven’t got Bappa home, but would love to someday,” she says. For now, she enjoys both the public festivities and her quieter moments with Bappa.
“I’ve come to appreciate both sides of it. The energy of public celebrations, the creativity and devotion behind each pandal installed, and then returning home and celebrating with family. But most I love is my inner connect with Bappa and my alone time with him,” she says.
For Sharif, the childlike excitement of the festival is just as important as its spiritual side. “I feel the life’s best lived are the ones where you never lose your childlike nature. So for me, it’s still about the modaks, the way the city comes alive, the dance on the roads, and all things festive and divine about it,” she says. She has a clear favourite when it comes to the festive treat.
“I love modaks, especially the malai kesar ones and the coconut steamed ones. I can literally finish an entire box,” she says. The festivities also give her an excuse to dress up. “I usually love to dress up even on other days, so festivals just give me the opportunity to up the ante and celebrate the spirit of it,” she says.
For Aamna, however, the heart of the festival lies in gratitude rather than asking for specific blessings. “More than asking for anything specific, I am always grateful for whatever I’ve got in life, and my prayer is always for the health, happiness and well-being of my family. With time, I’ve realized that peace of mind and having your loved ones around you are perhaps the biggest blessings one can ask for.”
That outlook, she says, comes from her upbringing. “Irrespective of where I come from, my parents have always taught me to celebrate and respect every festival, and I keep that belief alive.”
If films show a toxic male gaze and retribution is not offered in them, it only fortifies it-Sheeba Chadha
10:26 AM
Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; September 21, 2026)
With a three-decade career in films behind her, Sheeba Chadha has seen Hindi cinema evolve in many ways. If there’s one evolution that particularly makes her happy, it’s the longevity of female actors’ careers.
“We have reached a place where we are writing characters for actresses after a certain age. I am in my mid-50s and happy to be getting the work that I get,” smiled Chadha, who, at 54, has many projects in her hand, including the ambitious Ramayana: Part 1.]
While there have been positive changes in Hindi films, the actor believes there is scope for improvement, especially when it comes to the portrayal of women. For instance, she is tired of the “suffering mother” archetype.
“We can do away with the long-suffering mother because we don’t want our moms to be doing that. My character, Vasudha, in Mirzapur: The Movie is a flawed mother. It’s not something I’d condone, but it’s interesting. I would like to see more of that.”
Chadha also hopes the industry does away with the toxic male gaze. “We have a lot of that in our society. If films also start showing a toxic male gaze and retribution is not offered in them, it only fortifies that standpoint instead of destroying it.”
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