Veer Pahariya is all set to make his big Bollywood debut with Akshay Kumar and Sara Ali Khan starrer Sky Force. The movie will release on January 24, ahead of Republic Day, but before the release of the patriotic film, there are a few facts you need to know. First and foremost, Sky Force is based on real-life events and draws its inspiration from the air war between the Indian and Pakistani Air Forces during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965. The story also touches upon the life of Squadron Leader Ajjamada Boppayya Devayya. Here's all you need to know about the film. The War In 1965, Pakistan attacked several Indian air bases, including Pathankot, Halwara, and Adampur. After this attack by the Pakistani army, India conducted its first-ever airstrike against Pakistan and targeted one of the most guarded air bases in Asia, Sargodha. During this operation, while the Indian aircraft were making their way home, Squadron Leader Ajjamada Boppayya Devayya's aircraft was shot down by an enemy aircraft, and he went missing. The Aftermath After Ajjamada Boppayya Devayya went missing, several attempts were made by the Indian government to find the Squadron Leader and bring him back home safely, but we failed to get any details about his whereabouts, and he was presumed dead. He was posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra in 1988, 23 years after the operation. He is the only fighter pilot to have been posthumously awarded the Maha Vir Chakra. Who Plays What in the Film Akshay Kumar will reportedly be seen playing the role of Group Captain O.P. Taneja, leader of the 13-aircraft contingent, in Sky Force. Meanwhile, Veer, who has been named T. Vijaya in the film, will portray the role of Ajjamada Boppayya Devayya. The movie will also star Sara Ali Khan in a pivotal role, with the actress playing Veer Pahariya's wife in the movie. The trailer of Sky Force promises to be a visual treat with breathtaking aerial combat sequences, showcasing the courage and skill of the Indian Air Force officers. Sky Force will hit theatres on January 24, 2025, just ahead of Republic Day.
23 January,2025 10:46 AM IST | MumbaiSinger Monali Thakur known for songs like 'Sawaar Loon', 'Moh Moh Ke Dhaage', 'Laila Majnu' experienced breathlessness on stage during a live performance. She was immediately rushed to the hospital. According to reports, Monali, who was performing at music festival in West Bengal, suddenly struggled to breathe mid performance. Reports state that it looked like Monali was in acute distress and thus immediately halted her performance. Monali was taken to the Dinhata Sub-District hospital after she was seen in distress by her team. Her team was quick on their feet and then arranged an ambulance to transfer her to a private hospital in Cooch Behar. The singer or her team is yet to issue an official statement on the matter. However, according to reports, the singer is receiving proper medical care at the moment. Monali Thakur's Varanasi concert fiasco Meanwhile, a couple weeks back, Thakur had penned a long note slamming the poor infrastructural management at her Varanasi concert which she abandoned 70 minutes into the show. She called out the event management for mistreating vendors and exploiting them. The singer took to her Instagram account on Monday where she shared details about the alleged mismanagement, and mistreatment against her and her team by the event organizers. "I had hoped not to end 2024 or begin the new year 2025 by addressing the horrific and negative incident my team and I faced in Varanasi. However, after much reflection, I feel it is important to share these unfortunate truths-not only to raise awareness but also to call for reforms in how such matters are handled. Attached is a confession and apology letter issued by the founder of the event-organizing company. Hope this letter is sufficient to clear any confusion anyone might have had about the credibility of any of the false defamatory accusations made against my team and me, as well as the treacherous and unethical conduct of the organizers," wrote Monali. Monali also shared that her team faced "severe negligence" in basic infrastructural safety that forced her to leave the stage in the middle of her performance. "It has been deeply troubling for me to process the reckless and irresponsible behavior of the event management company's team. Especially, their misuse of laws designed to protect against sexual harassment-laws that are vital for safeguarding people, specially women in our society-is both appalling and unacceptable. Weaponizing such laws for personal vendetta, ego satisfaction, or retaliation against those who refused to comply with unethical practices is not only a gross abuse of rights but also deeply disrespectful to genuine survivors of these heinous crimes," the singer wrote. "These reckless behavior undermines the credibility of survivors who show immense courage in seeking justice and hampers the hard work of those fighting to eradicate such crimes. It is particularly disheartening to see young women participating in such actions, as it damages the cause and creates distrust around an issue that should always be treated with the utmost seriousness," she added. Monali also criticized the "treatment of vendors" and those "working behind the scenes" at the event. "It is absolutely unacceptable to treat vendors poorly, cheat them of their hard-earned money, or con them in any way," she said. "Disrespecting and harassing those working behind the scenes... is not the way forward. Such behavior should never be tolerated or entertained." The highlight of the post, though, was the confession and apology letter from the organisers that she had attached. "I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Team Monali Thakur for their kindness, humbleness, support, and encouragement from the very beginning," wrote Aman, co-founder of Backroom Entertainments. Take a look at her post View this post on Instagram A post shared by Monali Thakur (@monalithakur03)
23 January,2025 10:43 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAfter her stellar and massy performance as Srivalli in Pushpa 2: The Rule, Rashmika Mandanna will soon be seen in Chhaava as queen Yesubai Bhonsale, wife of Maratha warrior Sambhaji Maharaj. On Wednesday, the actress attended the trailer launch event of the film along with co-star Vicky Kaushal where she spoke about the historical drama and her role in it. Rashmika Mandanna is happy to retire At the Chhaava trailer launch, Rashmika expressed her gratitude on getting the opportunity to play the role of a Maratha queen in the film directed by Laxman Utekar. Speaking to the media at the event, she said, "It is an honour. From a girl coming from the South to play Maharani Yesubai is the most privileged and special thing I could ask for in this lifetime. I tell Laxman sir that after this, I am happy to retire. I am not someone who cries but this trailer choked me up. [Vicky] looks like God, he’s Chhaava." Recalling how she was offered the role, Rashmika shared, “I remember being absolutely shocked how did Laxman sir even think of giving me a role like this to play? I just surrendered… you don’t have a reference. It’s a story. You know their story and they are such majestical, impactful characters and personalities. How do you play them?" She further added, “For me, specifically, I just surrendered to what Laxman sir wanted. There was of course a lot of rehearsal in terms of language and everything. But, it’s just the trust you have in the team because you know that if someone has to pull this off, you shouldn’t have any sort of barriers with yourself. You just have to say, ‘Sir, I am all in. Whatever you ask for, I am here to deliver." Rashmika attends trailer launch of Chhaava despite leg injury The actress recently suffered a leg injury at the gym. She was seen limping at the trailer launch. "This is a character that you get to play once in a lifetime, I wouldn't have missed this for the world. Today is the trailer launch of the most special film in my heart, and I would have given up anything to be here today. This is how much Chhaava the film and the team means to me. Even if I had to stand on one leg and travel all the way from Hyderabad to Mumbai, I would have still made it," Rashmika said as the crowd applauded. This speaks volumes about Rashmika's dedication to her craft. Although she suffered an injury, she didn’t let that affect her work commitments and made it to the event.
23 January,2025 10:21 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentYou’ll see me a lot this year,” promises R Madhavan when we call him to speak about Hisaab Barabar. The ZEE5 thriller is his first project of what will be a busy year, with De De Pyaar De 2, a rom-com with Fatima Sana Shaikh, and Dhurandhar in the pipeline. Incidentally, each of his characters is different. “I want to do roles that I can relate to. I’ve had such varied life experiences that I know how a railway man behaves, as well as how someone in Decoupled [2021] does. My wife says, ‘You’ve done a comedy in English, dramas in English and Tamil, and action. Why can’t you make up your mind about who you are?’ That’s exactly who I am, someone who can’t make up their mind,” he laughs. R Madhavan What drew Madhavan to Hisaab Barabar, also starring Kirti Kulhari and Neil Nitin Mukesh, is the story’s relatability. Ashwini Dhir’s directorial venture revolves around how a ticket collector uncovers a bank scam. “History has seen that the moment the regime starts derailing the common man’s life, [he will fight back]. This has been explored beautifully in the film,” shares the actor. After Hisaab Barabar, Madhavan will star alongside Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna and Arjun Rampal in Dhurandhar. The actor’s filmography is peppered with ensemble films despite the industry’s perception that they pose a risk to one’s stardom. Mention this, and he simply says, “Imagine all the ensemble films that I’ve done. Now, imagine me not doing a Rang De Basanti [2006], or 3 Idiots [2009] or Vikram Vedha [2017]. Whose loss would it have been? Even though my role in Rang De Basanti was only for nine minutes, being part of such projects adds to my immortality as an actor. In 3 Idiots, I was playing second fiddle to Aamir Khan. But it didn’t upset my stardom in Tamil [cinema]. These are barriers that people in the industry draw around themselves to protect their own insecurities. I don’t have such insecurity.” Madhavan recalls being advised against being a part of Anbe Sivam (2002) with Kamal Haasan. “Everyone said, ‘He is not known to share credit.’ But he bent over backwards to make sure that I got the role of a lifetime,” he recounts.
23 January,2025 09:54 AM IST | Mumbai | Priyanka SharmaOn Wednesday, Mid-day had reported that three prominent figures from the entertainment industry — Rajpal Yadav, Remo D’Souza, and Sugandha Mishra — have received threatening messages. Now, it has come to light that comedian and actor Kapil Sharma has also received a death threat on email from the same source. According to the sources, the threats were sent via email, and the sender signed off as 'BISHNU'. Rajpal Yadav, Sugandha Mishra file complaint The email, sent on December 14, 2024, raised concerns and led to a formal complaint. The threatening message was sent from the email address [email protected] to Rajpal Yadav's team email account, [email protected]. This led to immediate action, with Yadav's wife, Radha Rajpal Yadav, filing a police complaint at the Amboli Police Station in Mumbai. Yadav has filed a complaint with the Amboli Police Station, following which a first information report (FIR) under Section 351(3) (criminal intimidation) was registered in the case. Meanwhile, on the basis of Mishra's complaint, the Oshiwara Police have lodged a non-cognisable (NC) complaint in the case. D’Souza has also approached the police to register a complaint. They are now conducting an investigation into the threat and the person behind the malicious email. On the complaint of Sugandha Mishra, the police have registered a complaint and started investigating the matter and after receiving the same threatening email, Remo D'Souza has also filed a complaint at the police station. As per the police, the threat email was sent from Pakistan. The email reads, "We are monitoring your recent activities and we believe it is important that we bring to your attention a sensitive matter. This is not a publicity stunt or an attempt to harass you, we urge you to treat this message with utmost seriousness and confidentiality." Recent celebrity related incidents in Mumbai Of late, Mumbai police have been on an increased level of vigilance as the law and order of the city seems to be shaken particularly after the fatal attack on politician Baba Siddique, threats to Bollywood superstar Salman Khan, and the recent knife attack on Bollywood actor Saif Ali Khan. Earlier, Baba Siddique was shot dead near his house in the Bandra area of Mumbai in October last year. The responsibility for the murder was claimed by jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's gang. Salman, on his part, beefed up his security, even installing bullet-proof windows on his balcony. It was a Baba Siddique Iftar party in 2013 that ended a long-standing feud between the two of the biggest superstars of Bollywood, Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan after a five-year-long spat that divided the entire Bollywood into two camps of loyalists. The two hugged out at Baba Siddique's party, sending the industry into relief and encouraging cross-camp collaborations. A week ago, Saif was attacked by an assailant who barged into his Bandra house through his youngest son, Jeh's room during the early hours of Thursday. The actor reportedly went to the hospital on his own and was accompanied by his son Taimur. As per media reports, doctors removed the 2.5 inches of knife from his wound. The actor was stabbed multiple times in an attempt to fight off the accused. The actor sustained six stab wounds, two of which were said to be serious as they were closer to his spine. The incident took place as the accused allegedly barged into their Bandra home, and attacked their house help and then Saif when he intervened. Saif was woken up by the commotion in his son Jeh's room. He went inside the room to see the culprit arguing with their house help, looking at this, Saif intervened to save the house help with bare hands to fight off the intruder.
23 January,2025 09:29 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentKrocin, coming soon? Ektaa R Kapoor appears to have been tight-lipped about a passion project until now. Kapoor, primarily known for weaving tales on the small screen, shared that she is deeply influenced by the subjects of medicine and mythology. “In a few years, I think I will shift to this,” she said about the study of medicine, seemingly in jest. “Today, I am going to share what my favourite thing to do is—astrology and medicine supplements. So I am studying medicine, and that is my favourite topic.” She also gave fans a glimpse of her massive stock of medicines. It is no secret that Kapoor is a firm believer in astrology, having named her serials with the letter ‘K’ for years. But discussion around her love for supplementation appears to be new. Balaji paracetamol coming soon? Krocin, perhaps? A sky stadium full of stars guards? The upcoming Coldplay concert in Ahmedabad has prompted officials to establish an uncommonly large security operation. A National Security Guard team and a special forces unit are part of the efforts to secure the event, a police official revealed yesterday. Scheduled for January 25 and 26 at the Narendra Modi stadium—the largest cricket venue in the world—the concert is expected to attract more than one lakh spectators, including dignitaries and VVIPs from around the globe. Given the scale, 3,825 police personnel will be on the ground, confirmed Neeraj Badgujar, Joint Commissioner of Police. Padmaavat again Deepika Padukone-starrer Padmaavat (2018) is set to re-release in select cinemas on January 24, offering fans another chance to watch the grand film unfold on the big screen. Also starring Ranveer Singh and Shahid Kapoor, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s tale is touted to be based on the epic poem of the same name by Malik Muhammad Jayasi. It chronicles the story of Rani Padmavati (Padukone), a courageous Rajput queen whose beauty had caught the attention of Sultan Alauddin Khilji, played by Singh. His relentless pursuit to conquer her kingdom, and her, led to her performing sati. At the time of its release, the film was appreciated for the performances delivered by the three leading artistes. More praise Rajnath Singh (second from left), Akshay Kumar (C) and Veer Pahariya (R) at the screening Akshay Kumar and Veer Pahariya’s upcoming patriotic offering, Sky Force, is catching the attention of the men in power in Indian politics. Recently, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, who attended a screening of the film in Delhi, heaped praise on the offering on social media, and commended the team for bringing a pivotal chapter of India’s post-Independence history to life. Sharing pictures from the screening, he wrote, “Joined CDS and three service chiefs at the special screening of Sky Force. The film narrates the story of the Indian Air Force’s bravery, courage, and sacrifice during the 1965 War. I laud the makers of the film for their efforts.”
23 January,2025 09:16 AM IST | Mumbai | The Hitlist TeamRam Gopal Varma has been in a reflective mood ever since the re-release of his cult classic film 'Satya' that starred Manoj Bajpayee and Urmila Matondkar and others. Ever since its re-release in theatres on January 17, the filmmaker has been looking back at the making of Satya and what meant to his career in the movies business and what transpired after. He has been posting his thoughts on social media calling it his confession notes on Satya. In a latest update, the filmmaker has announced his next, a crime drama with the claim of making the biggest film ever. Ram Gopal Varma announces his next “Only man can be the most terrifying animal," began RGV on X in a post where he announced the title of his next and the concept for the same. "In CONTINUATION to my CONFESSION note on SATYA film , I DECIDED to make the BIGGEST film ever. The film is called SYNDICATE. It’s about a terrifying organisation which threatens the very EXISTENCE of INDIA," he wrote. Explaining the concept, the filmmaker wrote, "STREET GANGS which flourished till the 70’s were finished when they got absorbed into hardline political parties and later when the SMUGGLERS rose up due to heavy demand of electronic goods , gold etc, they too were destroyed by the economic reforms , and then the deadly corporate gangs like D COMPANY etc arrived , to be once again victoriously CRUSHED. Similarly the early BLACK SEPTEMBER terrorists paled in comparison to the DEADLY ALQAEDA ,which in turn looked like nothing in front of the HORRIFIC ISIS group. There has been no notable criminal organisation since the last 10 to 15 years in India,but right now the intense polarisation between various in the country makes the timing ripe for a new kind of criminal organisation to rise." He added, "But unlike the organisations of the past this new organisation joins forces from various groups including POLICING AGENCIES, POLITICOS, ULTRA RICH BUSINESS MEN and also the MILITARY thus making it a SYNDICATE." A futuristic crime drama Ram Gopal Varma wrote, "SYNDICATE is a futuristic story not set in the far away future , but what can happen even tomorrow or next week ..For example the entire world woke up to AL QAEDA on September 11 th 2001, but did not know its existence even on September 10 th SYNDICATE film begins with a statement “ONLY MAN CAN BE THE MOST TERRIFYING ANIMAL.” This sets the stage for a chain of unimaginable but highly TERRIFYING and intricately calculated events, orchestrated by a shadowy organisation called the SYNDICATE whose only goal is to REPLACE INDIA WITH A NEW INDIA SYNDICATE will be a very SCARY FILM not due to any super natural elements , but because it will SCARILY expose, what HORRORS HUMAN BEINGS CAN DO The film will deeply dwell into the cyclical nature of crime and terror proving that while we have our victories the DARK TRUTH is that CRIME and TERROR NEVER DIE . THEY KEEP COMING BACK in MORE DEADLIER FORMS I took a VOW to WASH AWAY all my CINEMA SINS that I committed over the PAST FEW YEARS with this JUST one SINGLE film called SYNDICATE The CAST and other details will be ANNOUNCED VERY SOON." “ONLY MAN CAN BE THE MOST TERRIFYING ANIMAL “In CONTINUATION to my CONFESSION note on SATYA film , I DECIDED to make the BIGGEST film ever The film is called SYNDICATE It’s about a terrifying organisation which threatens the very EXISTENCE of INDIA The CONCEPT STREET… — Ram Gopal Varma (@RGVzoomin) January 22, 2025
23 January,2025 09:12 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentOne of the most adored couples from the 70s, Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor got married on 22nd January 1980. Remembering her late husband on their anniversary, Neetu Kapoor took to the stories section of her Instagram account and posted a string of throwback photos of the couple. In one of the pictures shared by the yesteryear diva on social media, Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor can be seen enjoying a joyful moment dancing together. Following this, she dropped a photo from their travel diaries with the caption, "Memories one carries on but never ever forgets !!" She further posted an old picture of the couple where Rishi Kapoor can be seen giving a peck on the cheek to wife Neetu Kapoor. The last photo was of the couple twinning in blue as they enjoyed some fresh coconut water. Previously, Neetu Kapoor had shared that Rishi Kapoor fainted after watching the crowd at their wedding, and hence, they started consuming brandy during the ceremony. While the couple struggled to stay conscious due to the intoxication, they managed to complete the pheras and were finally married. Rishi Kapoor left for a heavenly abode on 30th April 2020 after a two-year battle with leukemia. He was 76 when he passed away. Meanwhile, Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor shared screen space in numerous movies in the 1970s, including "Rafoo Chakkar", "Besharam", "Kabhi Kabhie", "Zinda Dil", "Amar Akbar and Anthony", "Doosara Aadmi", "Anjane Mein", "Dhan Daulat", and "Khel Khel Mein", among others. For those who do not know, Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor first met back in 1974 on the sets of the film "Zehreela Insaan". Their relationship which commenced as colleagues soon transformed into love. After dating for some time, Rishi Kapoor and Neetu Kapoor finally tied the knot in 1980. They welcomed a girl, Riddhima in 1980, and a boy, Ranbir in 1982. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
23 January,2025 08:14 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSActor and environmentalist Bhumi Pednekar, who is at the World Economic Forum in Davos, talked about the challenges in bringing about greater gender equality in society and also about her acting career, saying she is interested to work in Hollywood. Recognized as a Young Global Leader (YGL) by the World Economic Forum last year, Bhumi Pednekar told ANI that she was keen to be a good role model for young girls who watch movies. "We all are here just to have positive conversations about how can we make the world better and honestly I'm full of gratitude that I was given this opportunity because right from the start of my career with my work on screen and off screen, I've truly tried to make a difference. I've truly tried to get a positive change in every way possible and when you're given platforms like this, I think it just deepens your cause and it just accelerates everything that you're trying to do because they're like-minded people from all over the world," she said. "I think if you see my film trajectory, I have always done characters that have agency. I tried doing that because I have a large platform. I have an audience that follows me, and I'm grateful to them for having given me so much love all these years and loving the characters that I do, I feel like it's upon me to make sure that I don't underrepresent my gender because there are young girls that watch our films, and I want to be a good role model for them. So gender gap is very, very wide, and this is this is the case globally," she added. The actor said that there was a need for more women in places of power. "We need women in places of power, and this change needs to happen from a grassroots level, from a grassroots level to boardrooms. We need to see women in the process that we need to see them in the process of decision-making." Bhumi Pednekar said her mother has been her role model and has inspired her. "It is my mother, who always inspired me. She became a single parent because I lost my father, and I've seen her live a life full of resilience, courage, and bravery. We were never told that, oh, you're a girl, so you can't achieve this, or you can't dream big, or you can't have ambition or desire because of your gender. And I have to thank her for giving us that upbringing because it's her value system and it's her dreams and prayers that I'm here." Replying to query about her role models in Bollywood, she has admired Priyanka Chopra. "She is somebody that I admired growing up." Bhumi Pednekar also said art has no borders. "I feel like art has no borders. Art is not restricted to language, and I'm hundred per cent interested in working in Hollywood." This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
23 January,2025 08:10 AM IST | Davos | ANIActor Junaid Khan, who is set to debut in the film industry with his upcoming rom-com Loveyapa, humorously shared an annoying habit of his co-star Khushi Kapoor during the making of the film. In an interaction with ANI, Aamir Khan's son Junaid recalled Khushi Kapoor's habit of reaching the sets before the scheduled time during the making of 'Loveyapa'. "I have one complaint from Khushi Ji. Like I am a professional actor too. I used to come on time but she always reaches half an hour before the assigned time. It's very annoying. If there is a call time of 6:00 AM, she reaches sets at 5:30 AM. She always arrives early while I always come on time." said Junaid Khan. In response, Khushi shared her reason for reaching the sets early. "I get tense even if I am only five seconds late. My hair stylist and make-up team always message me to not come before them. It's a habit which I developed from my childhood. I always come early. Sometimes, the generators start after I reach the sets." Late Sridevi's daughter, Khushi Kapoor, and Aamir Khan's son, Junaid Khan, star in Loveyapa, which is set to release in theatres on February 7. The film is directed by Advait Chandan. Aamir Khan, who is actively promoting his son's film, interacted with ANI and lauded the performance of the Loveyapa lead cast after watching a rough cut of the movie. He compared Khushi's performance to that of her late mother, Sridevi. "I have watched the rough cut. I liked this film. It is very entertaining. The way our lives have turned out these days due to cellphones, and the interesting things that happen in our life due to this have been shown here. All the actors have done a good job. When I watched the film and saw Khushi (Kapoor), I felt that I was watching Sridevi. Her energy was there, I could see. I am a huge fan of Sridevi," Khan said. In response, Khushi said that she has still a lot to learn and she is nowhere near her mother. "It's very sweet but I don't feel like it. This is my journey and I have a still lot to learn. I think it's very sweet of him but I can't even touch her in terms of skills." said Khushi while talking to ANI. Khushi made her acting debut with Zoya Akhtar's The Archies, which was released on Netflix last year. The film also marked the debut of Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan's daughter Suhana and Amitabh Bachchan's grandson Agastya. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
23 January,2025 08:08 AM IST | Mumbai | ANILook at producer Pranjal Khandhdiya’s previous films, Rashmi Rocket (2021) and Dhak Dhak (2023), and you’ll notice his penchant for stories that are rooted in the everyday world. His next, Sweet Dreams, too is a slice-of-life story. Revolving around two strangers connected by the surreal world of dreams, the Mithila Palkar and Amol Parashar-fronted film questions whether love finds us or if it’s the other way around. Khandhdiya says that the feel-good story is the antidote to the dark and violent movies that are dominating the current landscape. “Today, violence, profanity, gore, and crime have [become part of] all genres in cinema. They provide an adrenaline rush and huge box-office numbers, but we are a thali-loving nation. We crave a mix of all nine emotions. As makers, we must address the need to create slice-of-life stories and rom-coms,” he says. Pranjal Khandhdiya In Victor Mukherjee’s directorial venture, Khandhdiya says he found a reflection of the dilemma faced by the youth today. The Disney+ Hotstar movie shows how the millennials and Gen-Z often chase big dreams, while not acknowledging the beauty of their reality. “With Sweet Dreams, we hope to connect with the younger audience, or anyone feeling burnt out in their relationship or life. We want to inspire them to embrace their reality, because reality itni bhi buri nahin hoti,” grins the creator-producer.
23 January,2025 07:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuADVERTISEMENT
