Imtiaz Ali Unveils Friendship Day Film 'Side Heroes' with Star Cast

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], August 3: Renowned director Imtiaz Ali has revealed his newest project, aligning with the celebration of Friendship Day.

Varun Sharma, Aparshakti Khurana, Abhishek Banerjee

In an official Instagram post, Mahaveer Jain Films released a video featuring the director alongside the lead cast, which includes the energetic Abhishek Banerjee, Aparshakti Khurana, and Varun Sharma. This trio is renowned for their hilarious comedic performances in the 'Stree' and 'Fukrey' series. In the video, Imtiaz Ali seems to be discussing plans for a potential film titled 'Side Heroes' with the actors, showcasing a surprising Bhojpuri accent while speaking to a friend on the phone.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DM2crZ7xyji/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Later in the video, the filmmaker hints at a story about lifelong friends, infused with humor and emotions. "It's time to celebrate friendship! To all the friends on Friendship Day," the creators mentioned in the caption. The film, directed by Ssanjay Tripathy, is penned by Siddharth Sen and Pankaj Matta. Imtiaz Ali will produce the movie alongside Mahaveer Jain, Reeyan M Shah, and Mrighdeep Singh Lamba. Providing an update on the project, Varun Sharma expressed his excitement about collaborating with a dream team on a film that he described as "made by friends and for friends."

https://www.instagram.com/p/DM4ZUfkK9JC/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

A team filled with heart and love. With a big smile and immense gratitude, I'm thrilled to be working with this incredible dream team. A film created by friends, for friends everywhere. There's nothing greater than the emotion of friendship. I'm eagerly anticipating the magic to unfold and for the world to witness this wonderfully beautiful script. See you on Friendship Day 2026 in cinemas with "Side Heroes," he wrote on Instagram. Varun also posted behind-the-scenes pictures from the team meeting, capturing everyone in high spirits.

"Side Heroes" is scheduled to begin production this year and is set to be released in theaters on Friendship Day 2026.

#bollywood #entertainment #ImtiazAli #upcoming

ISKCON has booked a cinema hall to screen 'Mahavatar Narsimha' for devotees, which will convey a powerful message.

Mumbai [India], July 29: Ashwin Kumar's recent mythological animated film, 'Mahavatar Narsimha', has become an unexpected hit, captivating audiences nationwide.

Swati Bhat

Produced by Hombale Films, 'Mahavatar Narsimha' centers on Lord Narasimha, the half-man, half-lion incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The film has garnered a positive response and performed well at the box office, earning praise from ISKCON. ISKCON Siliguri has reserved an entire cinema for devotees to watch the movie. "We have reserved the entire cinema here for our devotees. Tomorrow, more devotees will come to see the film. Many devotees have gathered for the screening. It conveys a powerful message to people...This film promotes Indian culture and makes it easier for people to understand our philosophy," said Nam Krishna Das to TC, the spokesperson for ISKCON Siliguri.

Earlier, the organization shared on their official social media account that 'Mahavatar Narsimha' serves as a "testimony to the dedication of numerous ISKCON members." They elaborated that these members have worked diligently to help the younger generation engage with spiritual content and understand the culture.

https://x.com/iskcon/status/1949740491852931500

"Audiences across the country have praised the storyline, the VFX and the overall presentation. Watch it with your family and friends and feel the presence of Lord Narasimha!" the post further added. Written and directed by Ashwin Kumar, 'Mahavatar Narsimha' has connected with viewers from all age groups, with positive responses pouring across social media platforms. The makers have also shared updates on the film's performance, revealing that it became the #1 movie at the Indian box office on Monday, July 28.

According to trade analysts of Bollywood, the animation film's Hindi version has collected Rs 14.70 crore within three days of release, thus bringing another addition to Hombale Films' hit slate.

#entertainemnt #bollywood #ISKCON #VFX #AI

Venice Film Festival 2025: Hollywood and Bollywood Meets Italy

Venice, July 22, 2025 – The countdown has officially begun. At exactly 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 22, Alberto Barbera, Director of the Venice International Film Festival, unveiled the much-anticipated lineup for the 82nd Venice Film Festival, scheduled to run from August 27 to September 6, 2025.

The festival, renowned as the oldest cinematic event in the world, promises ten days of cinematic magic, global star power, and unforgettable red-carpet moments on the Venetian Lido.

Paolo Sorrentino Opens With La Grazia

The curtain rises with Paolo Sorrentino’s new film La Grazia, starring his long-time collaborator Toni Servillo alongside Anna Ferzetti. This love story set in Turin is expected to deliver the director’s signature mix of emotional depth and striking visuals.

Opening celebrations will also honor cinema’s past, featuring a restored screening of Queen Kelly (1929) by Erich von Stroheim and Yann Arthus-Bertrand’s environmental documentary Origin, the Venetian Lagoon.

Hollywood Stars Set to Shine

The Venice Film Festival 2025 red carpet will welcome a parade of international A-listers. Highlights include:

• Julia Roberts making her Venice debut in Luca Guadagnino’s After the Hunt, presented Out of Competition.

• George Clooney, Greta Gerwig, Alba Rohrwacher, and Laura Dern starring in Noah Baumbach’s highly anticipated Jay Kelly.

• Emma Stone, Jessie Plemons, and Alicia Silverstone reuniting with Yorgos Lanthimos for Bugonia.

• Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, and Christoph Waltz in Guillermo del Toro’s gothic spectacle Frankenstein.

• Cate Blanchett and Adam Driver leading Jim Jarmusch’s family saga Father, Mother, Sister, Brother.

Also confirmed: Emily Blunt (The Smashing Machine), Amanda Seyfried, Thomasin McKenzie, Rebecca Ferguson, Paul Dano, Jude Law, Gal Gadot, and even Al Pacino in multiple projects.

Italian Cinema at the Heart of the Festival

Italy takes center stage with strong contenders in Competition. Alongside La Grazia, audiences will see:

• Elisa by Leonardo Di Costanzo

• Duse by Pietro Marcello, a biopic on iconic actress Eleonora Duse starring Valeria Bruni Tedeschi

• A Film Made for Good by Franco Maresco, exploring the life of Carmelo Bene

• Under the Clouds by Gianfranco Rosi

This powerful Italian lineup underscores the festival’s mission to balance global storytelling with homegrown masterpieces.

Lifetime Achievements & Jury Spotlight

The Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement will honor two cinematic legends: actress Kim Novak and filmmaker Werner Herzog. Meanwhile, the prestigious Competition jury will be led by Alexander Payne, joined by Italy’s own Maura Delpero, making history as the first female director to win a David di Donatello.

A Global Stage of Cinema

From Sorrentino’s Italian elegance to Del Toro’s dark fantasy, from Roberts’ long-awaited Venice debut to Clooney’s timeless charisma, the Venice Film Festival 2025 stands as the year’s cinematic event to watch. With its unique blend of Hollywood glamour, Italian artistry, and global storytelling, the festival is set to once again prove why Venice remains the beating heart of world cinema.

Indian Films at the 82nd Venice Film Festival

1. Songs of Forgotten Trees by Anuparna Roy (Orizzonti Competition)

Anuparna Roy’s poignant Hindi-language drama Songs of Forgotten Trees has earned a place in the Orizzonti section — the festival’s segment celebrating bold, innovative storytelling. Inspired by Roy’s own upbringing in rural Bengal, the film follows two female migrants in Mumbai—an aspiring actress and her friend, a sex worker—navigating life under patriarchy. The Hollong tree, a symbol of forgotten connections, is woven into the film’s emotional core. Roy’s deeply personal storytelling has drawn praise for its honesty and regional authenticity.

2. Mother – Opening the Orizzonti Programme

Another highlight is Mother, a biographical feature about Mother Teresa, directed by Teona Strugar Mitevska. This film opens the Orizzonti section and is co-produced by Faridkot-born, Kolkata-based producer Prateek Bagi. Shot across iconic Kolkata locales—including Howrah Bridge, Kumartuli, and the Loreto Convent where Mother Teresa once taught—the narrative focuses on a critical seven-day period in 1948 when she left the Loreto Convent to start the Missionaries of Charity. Noomi Rapace, a Swedish actress, leads the cast.

3. Do Bigha Zamin – 4K Restoration in Venice Classics

A cherished milestone of Indian cinema, Bimal Roy's 1953 classic Do Bigha Zamin, has been lovingly restored in 4K and selected for the Venice Classics section. The restoration effort, by the Film Heritage Foundation, Criterion Collection, and Janus Films, brings renewed life to this emotionally gripping tale of a farmer battling industrialization, timed to coincide with Roy’s 116th birth anniversary.

4. Secret of a Mountain Serpent by Nidhi Saxena (Biennale College – Cinema)

Emerging Indian talent is also represented through Secret of a Mountain Serpent, directed by Nidhi Saxena. This India–Sri Lanka co-production is part of the Biennale College – Cinema initiative — supporting micro-budget, innovative films. It’s one of four feature films in this category, and offers viewers a glimpse of new voices shaping world cinema.

#entertainment #event #VeniceFilmFestival #bollywood #hollywood